Mortification of Spin – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Todd flies solo with guest John Wilsey, a professor of church history at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of the thought-provoking book, Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer. In his book, John addresses urgent questions about religious freedom in America today. How have conservatives historically understood the meaning of religious freedom? How do Americans who identify as conservative now think about religious freedom in this era? What are the differences between the historical and contemporary views, and how do those differences shape fights about religious freedom today?

Todd and John explore the historical context of religious freedom in America and its implications for the church today, examining America's unique blend of religion and liberty, the dangers of an established church, and the importance of preserving religious freedom for the flourishing of the church and society.

Disestablishment is the best way forward for the church. – John Wilsey

Tune in for this timely and thought provoking conversation.

We are pleased to offer three listeners a copy of John Wilsey’s book, Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer, courtesy of Eerdman’s Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.

 

Show Notes:

Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

Todd and Carl sit down today to engage in a candid discussion about the complexities and challenges of pastoral ministry, particularly in relation to suffering and criticism. 

Suffering is not a bug within the ministry system; it's actually going to be a feature of ministry. – Todd Pruitt

They explore the insights of the Apostle Paul, especially from his letters to the Corinthians, and how his experiences can guide modern pastors through their own trials. With humor and sincerity, they delve into the necessity of being open-hearted in ministry, the burden of criticism, and the importance of maintaining a gentle spirit in the face of adversity. Join them for a thoughtful conversation that aims to encourage both pastors and those who support them.

We are pleased to offer three listeners a copy of Doug Kelly’s book, New Life in the Wasteland: 2 Corinthians on the Cost and Glory of Christian Ministry, courtesy of Christian Focus Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd are joined by their friend, Michael Morales, professor of biblical studies at Greenville Theological Seminary. Together, they discuss Michael's much-anticipated 2-volume commentary on the Book of Numbers, an often-overlooked by preachers and students of the Bible. According to Carl, "If Michael Morales writes it, you need to read it."

Discussing its significance in the biblical narrative and its implications for understanding the covenant community, Morales shares insights on how the Book of Numbers serves as a foundation for ecclesiology and its connections to Christ and the church today. 

The Torah really is the foundation of all of our theology. – Michael Morales

Tune in for a rich conversation that aims to illuminate the depths of this vital text! Perhaps, like Todd, you'll renew your enthusiasm for this middle book of the Pentateuch after listening to their conversation.

Congratulations to the winners of our giveaway! Edison W. from Cedar Lake, IN and Karol O. from Webb City, MO have each won Michael Morales' 2-volume Numbers Commentary, thanks to the generosity of Apollos Publishing.

The Blessings of the Faith series recently published by P&R is a valuable resource highlighting the distinctives of the Presbyterian and Reformed faith. The series, written for Church laity as an introduction to Presbyterian ecclesiology and polity, is particularly helpful for Christians with backgrounds in other traditions. Carl’s guest is Jason Helopoulos, editor of the series and author of Covenantal Baptism. He’s the senior pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI. Jason shares his love for the sacrament of covenantal baptism and explains how his perspective on the subject has changed since his seminary days. What does baptism represent in the Reformed tradition? How is the concept of judgment associated with baptism? Do we pray with our children or for our children? Don’t miss this very insightful discussion.  Congrats to our winners of complimentary copies of Jason's Covenantal Baptism:  *Joan H. from Huron, OH    *Bradley E. from Anthem, AZ

Mortification of Spin is now a biweekly podcast. As we adjust to the new schedule, we’d like to introduce you to another Alliance podcast: Theology on the Go, with Jonathan Master and James Dolezal. A new episode of MoS is coming November 24th. Dale Ralph Davis has been a minister at a few traditional Reformed churches in the US. For some time, he was Old Testament professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Dale lives a much quieter life now, and is happy to chat with Jonathan and James about one of his remarkable books, entitled The Word Became Fresh - How to Preach from the Old Testament Narrative Texts. What is it about some OT narrative texts that intimidates many from preaching through them? What would be the possible negative effects on a church that does not receive the full revelation of God’s Word, including what Davis calls these “nasty narratives?”

A new series is available from P&R Publishing, produced in collaboration with some very accomplished and devoted pastors and theologians. Written for the Church, The Blessings of the Faith Series edited by Jason Helopoulos introduces and explores the distinctives of the Presbyterian and Reformed faith. Current topics include expository preaching, covenantal baptism, and persistent prayer, and more are on the way. Today, Carl chats with David Strain, the senior minister of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS, and author of Expository Preaching. David explains the layout of the books, including content designed to answer questions commonly posed by Christians who are new to the Reformed faith. Why is expository preaching so vital? Is preaching simply the communication of information? David’s conviction and passion for expository preaching set the stage for this engaging conversation. Congratulations to our winners of complimentary copies of Expository Preaching: *Zaci S. from Gable, SC    *Chrissy W. from Phoenixville, PA  

While Carl is globetrotting, fulfilling speaking engagements about what is (thus far) his magnum opus, Todd makes a promise to the loyal listeners of this podcast. As he’s the only host present, our megachurch minister sits down with a good friend to discuss a pressing issue in their common denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).  It’s Fred Greco, pastor of Christ Church in Katy, TX, a General Assembly (GA) veteran trained in the art of unambiguous language. The two discuss this year’s passing of Overtures 23 and 37 at the GA and why the PCA should adopt them and amend the Book of Church Order. What are these overtures about? Why are they so significant for the future of the denomination? Todd and Fred review the proposals and discuss the objections raised by those who oppose them. Listen thoughtfully, because even if you’re not in a PCA church, the same issues may soon be knocking at the door of your denomination.

He’s a “Thought Leader”…an “American Theologian”…and an “Anti-Social Media Influencer” (or is that, an “antisocial Media Influencer?”). Yes, the great Carl Trueman and his faithful sidekick Todd “Tonto” Pruitt sit down to chat about some very contemporary issues, as they also share an important family development! The progress of information technology has our generation asking questions and dealing with concerns no previous generation could have imagined. The benefits of technology are many; there is much to celebrate. Yet our surrender to, and dependence on, technology comes at a high cost–and the Church may soon have to ante up! Our Spinners weigh in and challenge the Church to stay one step ahead of the game. Resources to be Acquainted With: · Napa Legal Institute · Ethics and Public Policy Center · Alliance Defending Freedom · Becket - Religious Liberty for All We are offering our listeners the opportunity to win a copy of “The Tyranny of Big Tech” by US Senator Josh Hawley. Sign up! The books are a generous gift from our friends at Regnery Publishing.

Our spin terminators are feuding about Carl’s citizenship status, the environment, and even boiled food, all before introducing their special guests. Both men join us virtually today, but will appear together in person to speak at the Bold North Conference on Reformed Theology November 5-6, 2021, at Mission Orthodox Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, MN. Camden Bucey is a minister at Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, IL and the executive director of Reformed Forum. His friend Jim Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX and the Reformed Forum board president. The pair check in to prepare us for the upcoming conference, themed Covenant Theology and the Promised Messiah. What is Covenant Theology, why is it important, and what are the distinctions between Covenant Theology and broader evangelicalism? Israel, the Church, how the Bible is structured, and the way we interpret Scripture are not mere doctrinal differences that can be overlooked, but are at the very heart of understanding the way God relates to his creatures. So listen in, and stay tuned for a very important announcement at the end of the show. Show Notes · Reformed Forum · Bold North Conference on Reformed Theology Congratulations to our winners of a free copy of Foundations of Covenant Theology: A Biblical, Theological Study of Genesis 1-3 by Lane Tipton: David R. from Williamsburg, VA Kyle A. from Clarksville, IN

On today’s encore presentation of Mortification of Spin the dynamic duo becomes a trio, as a third pessimist—that is, a third realist—joins in. Rod Dreher is an American writer and editor, culture critic, and the author of several books, including The Benedict Option and the freshly released Live Not By Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents. Rod’s book is a wakeup call for Christians about ideas that have become prevalent in American society…notions already adopted in other countries that have proven to be a threat to civil liberties.  Is there still hope to turn from what he calls “soft totalitarianism”? What’s the course of action for Christians to preserve the faith in such an intolerant society, where words and actions are becoming highly surveilled and dealt with “accordingly?” Live Not By Lies is timely and absolutely relevant for Christian dissidents. You can’t afford to miss this conversation! Show Notes ·The American Conservative ·The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation by Rod Dreher